Best Online Registered Nurse (RN) Programs
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Want to become a registered nurse (RN) or advance your nursing education? Completing an RN degree online can help you reach your career goals.
With an online BSN or RN-to-BSN program, you’ll take online courses while meeting clinical requirements in your local area. Find affordable accredited online RN programs in our ranking that meet your career goals and personal needs.
Best Online RN Programs
University of Florida-Online
- Gainesville, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
UF Online's RN-to-BSN program was purpose-built for working nurses seeking to take the next step in their careers. This uniquely structured program includes 100% online theoretical coursework that also reduces barriers and cuts costs by using cutting-edge simulation technologies to facilitate remote clinical training.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $1,938
Out-of-State | $8,289
Credits to Graduate: 120
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose UF Online:
- Innovative Clinical Components: You can complete half of your required 90 hours of clinical training through virtual simulations.
- Diverse Career Access: The program supports specializations in intensive care, obstetric, gynecological, hospital, surgical, pediatric, and home care nursing, among others.
- Maximum Flexibility: Asynchronous course delivery empowers you to study in the evening, on weekends, or at any other convenient time.Â
Know Before You Enroll:
- In-Person Requirements: You must complete 45 hours of independent clinical experience in your fourth semester.
- RN License Needed: You must have an active, unencumbered RN license from Florida or a participating member state of the Nurse Licensure Compact to enroll. Â
- Transfer Considerations: You need an associate degree and a 2.8 GPA in your nursing coursework to join as an upper-division transfer student.
N/A
$ 3,358
94%
$15,000
- Acceptance Rate
- 64%
- Students Enrolled
- 5,462
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
UCF's online RN-to-BSN program offers a compact and accelerated yet flexible path to a bachelor of science in nursing. The program focuses on career advancement, training established nurses for leadership roles while building strong foundations for future study. You can also earn up to nine credits toward a graduate nursing degree.Â
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $1,051
Out-of-State | $1,051
Credits to Graduate: 30
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose UCF:
- Graduate Quickly: You can complete this program in as few as three semesters.
- Multiple Start Dates: UCF offers fall, spring, and summer program launch dates.
- Savings Opportunities: As an online UCF student, you can use the school's fee waiver policy to further reduce your costs.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Complex Admission Requirements: You need an RN license plus an associate degree from a Florida public college or a bachelor's degree from an accredited school to qualify.
- Scientific Emphasis: UCF strongly emphasizes medical treatments of nursing science, and the curriculum requires excellent working knowledge of technical and scientific nursing concepts.
9%
$ 6,368
92%
$22,467
- Acceptance Rate
- 45%
- Students Enrolled
- 69,338
- Institution Type
- Public
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
Ohio State's online RN-to-BSN program uses a 100% online, asynchronous delivery model to make your educational upgrade as accessible as possible. The program's coursework supplements a strong clinical nursing core with classes that develop cultural competencies and leadership skills. You can also choose from 18 elective offerings, creating pathways to self-designed specializations.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $7,472
Out-of-State | $7,672
Credits to Graduate: 30
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose Ohio State:
- Barrier-Free Entry: The school recently removed its previous prerequisite course requirements in favor of a direct-entry model.
- Build a Network: Ohio State emphasizes collaborative projects, helping you connect more readily with classmates.
- Authorized Everywhere: Ohio State is authorized to deliver this program to students living anywhere in the United States.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Admission Considerations: You need both an active RN license and a specially accredited associate degree in nursing to qualify for entry.
- Processing Times: Ohio State accepts applications on a rolling basis, but it may take up to one month for you to receive your decision.
63%
$12,545
94%
$41,327
- Acceptance Rate
- 61%
- Students Enrolled
- 61,443
- Institution Type
- Public
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
FIU Online's RN-to-BSN program features a compact and efficient path to graduation, with advanced-standing placements available to RNs who display required clinical competencies. The fully online curriculum offers excellent flexibility, combining clinical topics with multiple opportunities to pursue your individual interests through targeted electives and independent study.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,591
Out-of-State | $7,138
Credits to Graduate: 33-60
Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose FIU:
- Graduate Quickly: Full-time students can graduate in as little as one year.
- Qualify for Advanced Degrees: FIU specifically designed the program to support seamless entry to nursing programs at the master's and doctoral levels.
- Pathways to Time Savings: You can earn up to 27 credits toward your degree requirements by passing clinical proficiency evaluations.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Spring Starts Only: The program uses a cohort model and begins annually in the spring semester.
- Transfer Credits Required: You must have at least 60 transferable lower-division credits from an ACEN-accredited associate degree program in nursing.
- GPA Considerations: You need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and at least a "C" grade in all prerequisite courses to satisfy admission requirements.
66%
$ 6,168
93%
$18,566
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 54,817
- Institution Type
- Public
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
TAMIU's online RN-to-BSN program combines clinical nursing skills development with professional practice essentials covering quality of care, ethics and compliance, change leadership, and conflict resolution. The program engages both didactic and clinical instructional modes, creating clear and strong links between nursing theory and practice.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $2,998
Out-of-State | $2,998
Credits to Graduate: 32-120
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Leads to Licensure: Yes
Why Students Choose TAMIU:
- Pay per Course: TAMIU uses a flexible billing model that allows you to stretch your budget by paying for one course at a time.
- Quick Program Starts: You will not have to wait long to start your program, as TAMIU supports six start dates throughout the year.
- Collaborative Community Focus: Students liaise with community groups as they learn to evaluate available healthcare resources and unmet needs.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Variable Program Length: The curriculum requires 53 general education credits, which you must complete at TAMIU if you do not have eligible coursework to transfer.
- Admission Restrictions: You must hold a Texas RN license and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in your qualifying coursework.
65%
$ 3,818
74%
$13,634
- Acceptance Rate
- 46%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,536
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
Many of the most affordable online RN programs cost under $5,000 per year, while RNs report a median salary of over $93,600, according to May 2024 BLS data.
Why Become a Registered Nurse Online?
Earning your RN degree online gives you flexibility. Whether pursuing a BSN or advancing your education with an RN-to-BSN, an online format makes it easier to work while in nursing school. You can also compare programs to find the most affordable options. You’ll still have to travel to complete clinical components in an online program through labs, simulations, and in-person care, but you may be able to find local clinical placements.
The advantages of online RN programs include:
Attending class on your schedule- Continuing to work and meet family obligations
- Saving money on commuting costs
- Attending virtual advising and office hours
- Accessing library services, technology help, discussion boards remotely
How Much Does an Online RN Program Cost?
The exact price for an RN program varies. Fortunately, online RN programs often cost less than in-person programs. Some schools even charge rates similar to in-state tuition for virtual learners.
The National Center for Education Statistics collects data on tuition costs. For the 2022-2023 school year, undergraduate tuition and fees at two-year schools averaged $3,885. Learners at four-year institutions spent an average of $17,709.
These figures do not include living expenses, like room and board. College students pursuing BSN degrees online often live off campus and save on these costs.
Additional Online RN Nursing Student Fees
Online RN program enrollees should be aware of additional costs outside of tuition. These may include technology fees, books and study materials, laptops, and reliable internet connections. Some programs provide laptops or access to student discounts on computer equipment. Buying ebooks and used books can also save money.
Clinical rotation sites may require students to buy scrubs, footwear, or clinical supplies, like stethoscopes. As students approach graduation, they should budget for state licensing fees, background check fees, the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and test prep courses.
How Much Do RNs Make?
The BLS lists the median salary for RNs at $93,600 per year as of May 2024. Wages vary according to geographic location, education level, and years of experience.
For example, the average salary for RNs in South Dakota is $64,500, while the average salary for California RNs is $148,330. The top ten highest-paying metropolitan areas for nurses are in California, with RNs in the San Francisco area earning an average of $178,4500 a year.
Payscale data from July 2025 shows that nurses with ADNs earn an average annual salary of $80,000, while nurses with BSNs earn an average of $98,000. RNs with 1-4 years of experience earn an average of $69,825, but nurses with 10-19 years of experience earn an average of $82,260, according to July 2025 Payscale data.
Courses in an Online RN Program
During their studies, nursing students learn the importance of providing quality care. They discover how to create a comfortable atmosphere for patients and help them meet their daily needs.
Online RN program courses cover hard skills and soft skills. Aspiring nurses learn to communicate with patients and their families effectively. In clinical rotations, students practice administering medicine, transporting patients, and monitoring symptoms at local healthcare facilities.
In this section, we highlight three common classes for BSN degrees. Keep in mind not every program offers these exact courses. Think of this list as a sample curriculum.
Nursing Foundations
A nursing foundations course covers the basics of the nursing profession. Students learn common job responsibilities for nurses. Participants discuss how care needs vary across the lifespan. This class provides a preview for topics covered in greater detail in later courses.Pharmacology
Students enrolled in pharmacology learn to safely administer medications. They build calculation skills for dosages and familiarity with common medications. The class covers how medicines interact and the result of miscalculations.Ethics in the Nursing Profession
An ethics course teaches the importance of patient privacy and rights. Learners read through case studies about ethical nursing dilemmas. The class covers current laws that affect the profession through discussions. Upon completion, learners possess a framework for evaluating ethical best practices.
How to Become a Registered Nurse Online
Becoming an RN requires similar educational, experiential, testing, and licensing processes in every U.S. state. Yet, each state may have its own requirements. Check with your state board of nursing to ensure you meet all the requirements to become a nurse.
Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
- Research registered nursing programs online to find the best one for your goals.
- Apply for an ADN or BSN program.
- Complete your registered nursing program coursework and clinical experience.
- Apply for your RN license through your state nursing board.
- Study for and pass the NCLEX-RN.
- Gain nursing experience.
- Pursue optional certification in a specialty area.
RN Licensure for Online Nursing Students
Registered nurses need licensure from their state’s board of nursing. By attending an accredited RN program, you’ll meet the education and experience requirements. Candidates must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the NCLEX-RN exam and provides information on the licensure process.
Application fees may range from about $40-$300, depending on location. After receiving your RN license, you can practice as a registered nurse in your state. You’ll need to renew your RN license every 1-4 years. Most states require continuing education hours to maintain your license.
The NCLEX-RN
RN licensure requires a passing score on the NCLEX-RN. Students usually take this exam a month after graduating from nursing school. The NCLEX RN- comprises 145 questions covering four categories:
- Safe and effective care environment;
- Health promotion and maintenance;
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
The exam fee is $200.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN Programs Online
An RN is a registered nurse, while a bachelor of science in nursing is a degree. RNs can qualify for licensure with associate degrees in nursing or BSNs. New York is the only state that requires nurses to earn BSNs within ten years of licensure. Nurses with BSNs typically qualify for more job opportunities and may increase their earning potential.